Northamptonshire Police make referral to watchdog in case of India Chipchase

Nick Spoors

Northamptonshire Police has made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission over the force’s “responses before and during the search for India Chipchase”.

It is understood that referring themselves to the IPCC is compulsory for any force if there was a missing persons appeal issued by officers prior to a crime being discovered.

A police spokeswoman said: “[The purpose of the referral is to] ensure transparency in examining police action and responses before and during the search for India Chipchase.

“We await the decision of the IPCC and will not be commenting further as the criminal investigation is now in the court process.”

Northamptonshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said the IPCC had his office’s “full cooperation” and he will be working to make sure the commission has everything it needs with regards to the referral.

Mr Simmonds said: “The death of India Chipchase is an immensely sad and tragic event, and all those who knew and loved her are very much in our thoughts, as I’m sure they are in the thoughts of thousands across Northamptonshire and the rest of the country.”